Baku, Azerbaijan, may not have the Formula 1 heritage of Monaco or Silverstone, but since its debut in 2016, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has quickly become one of the most exciting and unpredictable races on the F1 calendar. With a street circuit that blends old-world charm with modern engineering, The 2024 race did not disappoint. With crashes, overtakes, and surprise results, the streets of Baku once again provided one of the most thrilling races of the season. At the center of it all was Oscar Piastri, who took his second career victory in stunning fashion, but that was just one of many storylines in this high-stakes showdown.
Leclerc on Pole, Piastri Seizes Control:
The weekend started with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc securing pole position, his fourth in Baku, reinforcing Ferrari’s one-lap pace on street circuits. As the lights went out, Leclerc held the lead, but it was clear from the start that the race wouldn’t be a straightforward affair.
By Lap 20, the Australian sensation, Oscar Piastri, took control of the race. Driving with precision, Piastri capitalized on strategy and made a bold overtake on Leclerc to move into the lead. The young McLaren driver showed nerves of steel, controlling the race from there on to claim his second Grand Prix victory, following his maiden win earlier in the season. The victory marks a key moment in Piastri’s rise to F1 stardom, with Baku adding another chapter to his remarkable career.
Stroll Out Early, Norris Shines in the Midfield:
Not everyone’s race went as smoothly. The chaotic nature of Baku showed its teeth early on when Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll was forced to retire from the race on Lap 2 after a collision left his car undrivable. This early setback for Stroll set the tone for a race filled with incidents.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris staged one of the most impressive recoveries of the season. After a disastrous Qualifying session, where he failed to advance past Q1 and started 15th on the grid, Norris quickly made amends. By Lap 8, Norris had already gained five places, showcasing his racecraft on the narrow streets of Baku. As the race progressed, Norris kept pushing and ultimately finished a remarkable 4th, just ahead of Championship leader Max Verstappen. Lando also managed the fastest lap of the race.
Chaos Strikes: Sainz and Perez Collide on Lap 50:
The Baku Grand Prix wouldn’t be complete without some high-profile drama, and this year it came in the form of a spectacular collision between Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. On Lap 50, while fighting for 3rd place, the two collided in a high-speed section of the track, sending both cars into the barriers and out of the race. It was a frustrating end for both drivers, particularly for Perez, who has been looking to make inroads on teammate Verstappen’s championship lead.
Russell’s Consistency Earns Podium, Leclerc in 2nd:
Amidst the chaos, Mercedes’ George Russell continued his consistent run, capitalizing on the misfortunes of others to take 3rd place on the podium. Russell managed his race perfectly, maintaining strong pace and avoiding the incidents that plagued other drivers. His podium finish keeps him in the mix for the season’s top honors.
For Charles Leclerc, while the race didn’t deliver the win he had hoped for after starting from pole, 2nd place was a solid result in a race that could have gone much worse for the Ferrari driver. Despite losing the lead to Piastri, Leclerc kept his head down and secured crucial points for both himself and Ferrari.
Rookie Standouts: Colapinto and Bearman Impress:
While Oscar Piastri took the headlines, Baku also showcased the talent of rookie drivers. Argentine Franco Colapinto, in just his second Grand Prix, finished an impressive 8th, putting in a composed and mature performance that belied his inexperience at the highest level. Haas’s Oliver Bearman, another rookie, also delivered a standout result, finishing 10th to secure his first-ever points in Formula 1. Both drivers showed that they have the talent to become future stars of the sport.
Hamilton’s Tough Weekend:
For Lewis Hamilton, Baku was a race to forget. The seven-time world champion could only manage 9th place, struggling with car balance and failing to make significant progress throughout the race. While Mercedes teammate Russell thrived, Hamilton’s difficult weekend is one he’ll be eager to move on from as the season progresses.
The 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was a classic Baku race—chaotic, unpredictable, and full of surprises. From Oscar Piastri’s masterful drive to his second career win, to Lando Norris’s heroic comeback from 15th to 4th, and the fiery collision between Sainz and Perez, this race had it all. With Piastri cementing himself as a future star, rookies like Colapinto and Bearman making their mark, and the unpredictable nature of Baku once again on full display, this year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix will go down as one of the most thrilling races of the season.